The global demand for renewable energy is increasing enormously. To slow down the rapid climate change, investments are being made worldwide in the production of renewable energy. In addition to sustainable electricity, green hydrogen is also needed to decarbonise heavy transport and (chemical) industry and to balance the energy system. Moreover, green hydrogen is easy to transport over large distances. This makes countries with optimal solar and wind conditions, space, and the availability of water interesting for large-scale and therefore cost-effective production of green hydrogen.
The current energy crisis is making it increasingly clear that the global energy system needs to be more diverse, more decisive, and more equitable in order to build stable trading relationships with mutual benefits. Ghana is a great example of a country that has optimal conditions to start a hydrogen valley as it has several assets such as the presence of ports, ideal weather conditions, and the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), which currently transports natural gas. If constructed as "hydrogen-ready", the WAGP could be repurposed for the export of hydrogen from West African countries.
Over the past few months Impact Hydrogen has been working with Marcel Jacobs of Jacob Lawren Ltd in Ghana to investigate the potential for developing a Hydrogen Valley in the country. As outcome of this investigation, we are working towards a consortium with various stakeholders in the value chain, opening a local office, and developing a roadmap towards a Hydrogen Value Chain with impact. Next to developing the technical value chain, plans are also being made to take advantage of additional opportunities for the region such as local training and job creation, contributing to Ghana's market segments (agriculture, transport, mining, telecommunications), and of course––caring for the availability of water.
